Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.
Vaun L. Mayes is a leading activist in Milwaukee’s African American community facing serious felony charges in what many consider a frame-up by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (the ATF) and Milwaukee Police Department (MPD).

Milwaukee, WI – Over 60 people attended Black community leader Vaun L Mayes’ court date, July 5, at the federal courthouse in downtown Milwaukee. In this clear-cut case of political repression, Mayes is facing up to 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit arson. This charge stems from the rebellion two years ago in the Sherman Park neighborhood, after Milwaukee police murdered the young Black man Sylville Smith in August 2016.

On June 3, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer visited Milwaukee and spoke at the local Rotary Club at the War Memorial Center to discuss the recent move of the U.S. Israeli embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. During his address, Dermer made it clear that the move represents “one of the greatest decisions in the history of Zionism.”

As the critical month of December rolled in, the United Parcel Service mandated nationally new work rules for package delivery drivers, increasing the workweek to 70 hours for the duration of the holiday, or peak, season.

Thousands gathered in Milwaukee, Sept. 7, to protest Donald Trump's termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On Sept. 5, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that DACA would be rescinded.

Over 500 people marched through Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood to stand in solidarity with the wounded protesters in Charlottesville and to remember Heather Heyer, the young woman murdered by a Nazi. The rally was called by the local chapters of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

On May 17, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke announced his appointment as Assistant Secretary to the Department of Homeland Security. Clarke will run the Office of Partnership and Engagement, which connects police and sheriff departments around the country to Homeland Security’s work.